Special Report: NAFDAC Sounds Alarm Over Fake Postinor-2 Pills in Nigeria
Story written by Springnewsng August 27,2025
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a grave warning about the circulation of counterfeit Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) emergency contraceptive pills in Nigeria, putting women’s health and reproductive safety at risk.
What NAFDAC Discovered
In a public alert issued on August 22, 2025, NAFDAC confirmed that two falsified batches—designated Type 1 and Type 2—of Postinor-2 are in circulation. This followed a report from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the authorised marketer, which clarified it had not imported those batches. NAFDACVanguard News
Key differences between genuine and fake products include:
- A smaller, less legible font on the PIN verification sticker, with “Verify” misspelled as “Veify”.
- The phrase “Distnibuted in Nigeria” is incorrectly printed on the packaging, instead of “Distributed in Nigeria.” NAFDACVanguard News
Details of the Counterfeit Batches
| Product Type | Batch Number | Manufacture Date | Expiry Date | Registration Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | T32458H | Feb 2023 | Feb 2027 | 04-6985 |
| Type 1 Fake | T36184B | Aug 2024 | Aug 2028 | 04-6985 |
| Type 2 Fake | 332 | Mar 2023 | Feb 2027 | 04-6985 |
Severe Health Risks
NAFDAC cautioned that the fake Postinor-2 pills may:
- Contain incorrect or substandard ingredients.
- Have improper dosages of levonorgestrel.
- Be manufactured in unsanitary conditions.
These faults could result in contraceptive failure, exposure to toxic contaminants, unexpected side effects, long-term reproductive health issues, and in extreme cases, organ damage or death. NAFDACVanguard News
Nationwide Response Plan
NAFDAC has directed zonal directors and state coordinators to launch surveillance and mop-up operations to remove the counterfeit pills from circulation. NAFDAC
The agency is urging:
- Consumers to purchase Postinor-2 only from licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers, and to check for spelling errors and packaging inconsistencies.
- Healthcare professionals to report any adverse events through NAFDAC’s pharmacovigilance channels.
Suspicious products can be reported via 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322) or sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. NAFDACVanguard News
Public Reaction and Growing Concern
Social media users reacted strongly, highlighting the dangers of fake drugs:
One user advised, “Beyond this, young and unmarried people really need to prioritise abstinence. Why gamble with unplanned pregnancy or the dangers of fake drugs when prevention is safer?”
Another penned, “In Nigeria, this was bound to happen… Women should explore other birth control options and research less popular and approved brands.”
Summary – Why This Matters
- Emergency contraceptives like Postinor-2 are crucial for preventing unplanned pregnancies. Counterfeit versions endanger reproductive health and undermine public trust.
- Typographical errors, like “Veify” or “Distnibuted,” serve as red flags for counterfeit drugs.
- Prompt medical intervention and strong regulatory vigilance are essential to safeguard women’s health.
